Ahlström, Gerd

Abstract [en]

Introduction: In Sierra Leone, West Africa, there are many people with disabilities in need of rehabilitation services after a long civil war. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of prosthetic and orthotic service delivery in Sierra Leone from the local staff’s perspective.

Method: Fifteen prosthetic and orthotic technicians representing all the rehabilitation centres providing prosthetic and orthotic services in Sierra Leone were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to latent content analysis.

Results: One main theme emerged: Sense of inability to deliver high-quality prosthetic and orthotic services. This main theme was generated from eight sub-themes: Desire for professional development; Appraisals of work satisfaction and norms; Patients neglected by family; Limited access to the prosthetic and orthotic services available; Problems with materials and machines; Low public awareness concerning disabilities; Marginalisation in society and Low priority by the government.Discussion There is a need for educating more prosthetic and orthotic staff to a category I or II level in Sierra Leone. To increase access to prosthetic and orthotic services there is a need to focus on making materials available for the fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic devices and to facilitate transport for patients to reach the services.

Conclusions:The findings illustrated traditional beliefs about the causes of disability and that the public’s attitudes need to change in order to include and assign value to people with disabilities. Support from international organizations was considered necessary as well as educating more prosthetic and orthotic staff to a higher level.